Nigerian Tunde Onakoya breaks Guinness Book of Records for longest chess marathon
Tunde Onakoya, a Nigerian renowned for popularising chess and introducing the game to young waifs, as a way of luring them off the streets, has set a Guinness World Record for the longest marathon chess playing.
The chess player shattered the previous records at the chess event holding at the New York Times Square in the United States.
His attempt at setting the new world record in chess has received support from the political higher-ups and entertainers, including President Bola Tinubu, Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Afro hip hop singer Davido and Adekunle Gold, among others.
“We have done it,” he wrote on his official X account on Saturday.
“We’re pushing to 60 hours guys. We’re not stopping yet. Let’s keep going.
“We have a fundraising goal to meet for the education of African children around the world. This is our why – the reason we are doing this.
“Let’s demonstrate to the world the incredible power of love. Together, we can make this happen,” Onakoya wrote in his message.
The previous records for the longest chess marathon were set by Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, who played for 56-hour, 9-minute in 2018 and aimed at reaching 58 hours target.
The challenge, which is underway at New York City’s iconic Times Square, has currently exceeded 56 hours and a few minutes and already set him adrift the previous record holders.
Onakoya, through his foundation, Chess in Slums Africa, had said he pair US national, Shawn Martinez for the game.
He described his opponent Shawn Martinez, as a US National Master, who is a renowned New York City chess legend, and chess coach.
“This record is for the longest time to continuously play chess. This record is to be mentioned in hours, minutes, and seconds. This record is to be attempted by a team of two players,” it added.
